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MURFREESBORO'. TENN.. 

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t[] DECEMBER 8, Inn.".. 

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fi OPENING REMARKS OF PRESIDENT LEA HISTORICA1 INCL | 

Jjj DENTS PHOTOGRAPHS 01 INDIANS SWORD OF COLONEL nj 

\i HARDY Ml u Ik I 1 PRES1 N I ITION SPEEl II OF MAJOR D. I >. nj 

MANEY, AND III! Kll'l.\ OF I III: PRESIDEN1 OF 111 1 . $ 

fi SOCIETY CON! RIBU I II INS, ETC., E fC. $ 

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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY PAPERS. 



PROCEEDINGS 



TEflflE^EE plgTOHlCUL 0QCIETY, 



MURFREESBORO". TENN., 






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OPENING REMARKS OF PRESIDEN1 LEA HISTOR1CA1 INC1 
DENTS PHOTOGRAPHS OF INDIANS SWORD OF COLONE1 
HARDY MURFREE PRESEN1 VTION SPEE< II "I MAJOR D. D. 
MANEY, AND I UK REPLY OF MM PRESIDEN1 OF 1111'. 
SOCIETY CON! RIBU l [I >NS, II- . I . ■ 



N \ S 1 1 \ 1 1 1 i r EN N 

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PROCEEDINGS. 



BY special request the Society held its monthly meeting in Decern 
ber at the house of Maj. J. W. Sparks, in Murfreesboro', and 

there were present, as members of the Society, the following 

named gentlemen : 

Hon. John M. Lea, President, presiding; Gen. John F. Wheless, 
Maj. D. D. Maney, Lytton Taylor. Esq., Dr. J. B. Murfree, Gen. 
J. B. Palmer, Rev. Dr. W. C. Cray. Prof. T. M. Schleier, Dr. W. J. 
M( Murray, Judge James M. Avent, Rev. C. H. Strickland. 1 ). D., 
Dr. ('. C. Fite, Anson Nelson, Maj. J. W. Sparks, Capt. William 
Stockell, John Bell, Jr t , Judge Pitkin ('. Wright. 

And the following citizens of Murfreesboro' and surrounding countr) : 
Rev. E. A. Ramsey, Maj. Mason Wood. F. R. Burrus, J. S. Kid- 
ley, Horace Palmer, Dr. J. F. Byrn, Capt. Richard Beard, Hon. 
Edwin H. Ewing, Frank Avent, Judge E. D. Hancock, Capt. James 
Cummings, Judge W. V Doughty, James M. Avent, Jr.. and H. P. 

kee'hle. Esq. 

In addition to the above, other citizens were present a part of the 
time during the meeting, or at the dining festivities afterwards. 



CAI 'RDER. 

The President remarked, on calling the members to order, that the 
Soc iet\ was again indebted to M urlreesboro' tor a hospitable reception. 
The treatment given b) Col. Avent on the occasion of the last meeting 
here' held was so kind and cordial that it required only a hint from 
Maj. Sparks to bring about an acceptance of his polite invitation. 
There is such an odor of social good feeling pervading the atmosphere 
of this beautiful city, that a guest is reminded of the celebrated Dazzle 
in the old play, who was so well pleased with his entertainment that 
he W IS ■ "iitent t" stay a day. a week, a month, or a \ ear ; he was also 
willing, it' agreeable to his host, both to live- and to die in his company. 



4 Proceedings of the 

There are other things, however, besides hospitality, for which this 
county is famous. Tennessee, ever since its admission as a State into 
the Union- — yes, even before its organization as a Territory, as evi- 
denced by the glorious achievements of the pioneers at King's Moun- 
tain — has contributed her full share towards building up the name and 
fame of the American nation, and of all the counties no one more 
than Rutherford has furnished men whose lives in war and in peace 
have shed more lustre upon our history. To the large majority of our 
members, the meetings here are unmixed with any painful recollections, 
but there are others of us, who have been longer on the stage of action 
to whom the present is not altogether a scene of unalloyed pleasure. 
Faces once so familar on the streets of this city are no longer to be 
seen. My business and social relations with the people of Murfreesboro' 
in the long, long ago, were intimate, and my mind reverts to friends 
and acquaintances who having fulfilled their work on earth, have 
earned an honorable repose in death. I no longer meet the affable and 
whole-souled Keeble, whose speeches, replete with learning, were en_ 
livened by wit; nor of his friend and rival at the bar, the grave and 
dignified Ready, learned in the law and eminent in the General Assem- 
bly and in Congress; nor have I the pleasure to greet a man you all 
loved and respected, the chivalrous and gifted David Dickinson, 
whose early promise, great as it was, failed to indicate the success 
which he attained — often your Representative in the General Assem- 
bly and in Congress, dying in the public service ere he had readied 
middle life, and leaving a name that will always be kindly remem- 
bered by the people of this county. I must refer to one nearer my 
own age, a valued friend, pure in public as in private life, the late Dr. 
Richardson, who was oftentimes your public servant, eminent in his 
chosen profession, and equally distinguished in the field of politics. 
The name of Hardy Murfree Benton, a grand-son of Col. Hardy 
Murfree, comes up before me, my class-mate and fellow-graduate, 
"young in years but in sage counsel old," cutoff in the flower of 
early manhood. He left his impress upon the community, but had 
he longer lived, his brilliant talents would have won success at the 
bar or in politics, or in any vocation which he might have selected for 
his life work. As a man whose character commanded universal re- 
spect and confidence, what better specimen could be selected than 
the late Capt. Childress? Of enlarged views and great public spirit, 
whose bearing and manner always made me think of Cedric, as por- 
trayed by Sir Walter Scott, only Capt. Childress had more decision 
and strength of character than were vouchsafed to the Saxon. Let 



Tennessee Historical Society. 5 

me not forget my friend, the late Beverly Randolph, the type of a 
Tennessee farmer in the olden time, hospitable and generous, a power 
in this county in all political elections, a most ardent Whig, who is 
happy I know in the realms of the Hereafter, if he can only meet the 
spirit of Henry Claj of whom he was a friend and follower. Other 
names I could mention, but the recital, pleasing in one sense, brings 
some sadness, and when ] miss all those faces once so familiar. "I 
feel like one who treads alone some banquet hall deserted." A k-w are 
left, and long ma}' it he before such a Ghronicle must needs he repeated 
of them and of their work. 

There is the consolation that these noble men have been sue < , i 
by a generation worthy of their ancestry, and we may be sure that the 
sons of Rutherford in the future, as in the past, will help forward the 
march of progress and improvement now so visibly dawning upon our 
State. The interest which you have always shown in the Historical 
Society, an institution which has no other object than to preserve the 
memorials of the greatness of our people, exhibits your patriotism, and 
to say. that the members most gratefully appreciate the kindness 
with which on all occasions they have been by you so warmly re- 
ceived 



OF businl: 

The minutes of the last monthly meeting were then read and 

adopted. 

Mr. George W. ball and Mr. E. D. Richards, both of Nashville, 

whose petitions were presented one month ago. were unanimously 
elcc ted active members. 

Judge WhitWOrth, through the Recording Secretary, reported that 

the Special Committee of which he was Chairman, had loaned out 
$3,000 of the Howard donation, for one year, at six per cent, in- 
terest. 

The President appointed ! 1 s W ileier and Gra; 

committee to requesl Maj. James I ). Ri< hardsell to deliver his k 
on Thomas Jefferso ■ ishville, and to an 

the time for the san 



Proceedings of the 



LETTERS OF THANKS. ETC. 

The following letters were read, addressed to the Corresponding 
Secretary, J. A. Cartwright, Esq. : 

Cincinnati, O., Nov. 20, 1885. 
J. A. Cartwright, Esq., Cor. Sec. Tennessee Historical Society, 

Dear Sir — Please convey my thanks to your Society for the honor they 
have conferred upon me by my election as an honorary member. I take pleas- 
ure in sending you to-day by express a copy of Zeisberger's Diary among the 
Indians, as a contribution to your Library, trusting it may be of interest to some 
of your members. Yours very truly, 

. ' ROB. CLARKE. 

Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1885. 
J. A. Cartwright, Km,),, Corresponding Secretary, etc.: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a certificate constituting 
me an honorary member of the Tennessee Historical Society. Though con- 
scious that I have no claim to the distinction conferred upon me, I beg to say 
that the compliment rendered me is much appreciated, and that it has evoked 
memories of no ordinary nature. A native of the Western part of Pennsyl- 
vania, I left my native place seventy years ago upon the invitation of my uncles, 
Israel and Jasper Cope, to make my home in Philadelphia. The turnpike over 
the Alleghany Mountain, and for some distance east and west of it, was in the 
course of construction. The distance between the place of my birth (Greens- 
burg) and this city is about 300 miles, and it was accomplished by stage travel 
in six days, now completed by rail in less than twelve hours. My relatives 
already spoken of were engaged as merchants in the East India trade, and were 
consequently dealers in Calcutta fabrics, especially white goods, now supplanted 
by American muslins of a much better quality, at not more than one-third the 
cost. Having at my majority been established in the mercantile business as a 
successor to my uncles, who had retired upon a competency, it was my fortune 
to enjoy, in time, extensive trading witli merchants of the interior, no small 
portion of whom were located in the State of Tennessee, and 1 have reason to 
believe that our intercourse was mutually beneficial. .My bosom expands with 
emotion when I reflect that the Western merchants of that period no longer 
visit our city, and many of them, perhaps all, have gone to the narrow abode 
appointed for all men as their last resting place. Some have left to their de- 
scendants the inheritance of a good name and a plenished storehouse, while 
others doubtless have left an unsullied character as the only gift of a long life 
of toil and unrequited labors. 

I not only turn to the retrospect of a long life with many saddened memories 
connected with my career as a merchant, but. I have also to lament the demise 
of many esteemed associates with whom I labored in other ranks of life. My 
memory leads back to a period of fifty years ago, when I was one of twenty-four 
citizens of Philadelphia who visited Washington, to influence, if possible, Pres- 



Tennessee Historical Society. j 

ideni Jackson favorably in behalf of the Bank of the United States, so that his 
signature might be obtained for the renewal of the charter, about to expire. 
Unhappily the President's mind was fixed in unalterable hostility to the insti- 
tution. After an interview of fully an hour, our delegation was told to say to 
Nicholas Biddle to practice Christian benevolence when we returned home. 

My subsequent experience as a Director <>f the ill-fated bank, ol which I am 
now the only survivor of the Board oi isfied me that the removal of the 

public deposits from the institution was the origin of the evil that finally led to 
the destruction of the bank. Gen. Jackson was honest in the views he enter- 
tained, but he was unfortunately influenced by men, some of whom were per- 
sonally hostile to Mr. Biddle on account of politics, and others, prominent men 
of the city of New York, who were envious and jealous of the advantages Phila- 
delphia enjoyed as the central moneyed power of the country. These gentle- 
men were, moreover, influenced in their antagonism to the hank because its 
circulation precluded, in a great measure, the circulation of the so-called Safety 
hanks of the State of New York, 

Although much might be said ol the course pursued by the Hank of the 
United States when in power of an objectionable character, yet it had its merits, 
and of its unhappy President, I will ever entertain the most affectionate regard 
memory. 

I have been led to say more than I intended at the beginning of this letter, 
but, hoping that some portion, at least, of what I have uttered may not prove 
uninteresting, I am. Very respectfully, 

CALEB I l n 

l l.l.\ 1 LAND, O., Nov, 1 ■,. I 8 \ 
|. A. Cartwright, Esq., Cor. Sec. Tennessee Historical Society : 

Permit me, through thank the honorable body which 

you represent for its recent action in electing me an honorary member. In a 
growing country like ours, where the historical landmarks of one generation are 
over-grown in the West, the importance of a movement like that now being 
carried on by our State, count}- and local historical societies, for the pit 
tion of what will one day be of inestimable value to the student of American 
history, is too manifest t« > require comment. I esteem it an honor to be con- 
nected with those interested in this subject in a sister State. 
Very respectfully yours, 

II. A Kl I I I \ 

A letter addressed to Maj. J. W. Sparks, the host, from Gen. Ci. 
F. Thruston, of Nashville, but now in Sumner County, was read, ex- 
pressing his sincere regret at not being at the meeting to-day: 



PHOTOGRAPHS OF INDIA 

Maj. Sparks, for himself ami CoL W. K. French and J. A. Ayde- 
of lullahoma. presented the Society with the photographs of a 



8 Proceedings of the 

number of noted Indians, of the Sioux tribe. The pictures are copies 
taken by Prof. T. M. Schleier, at his gallery in Nashville, the originals 
having been borrowed by the gentlemen named. The loan was a 
great favor, as the Indians do not like to have their pictures taken, 
and do not want to circulate them when taken. The likenesses con- 
sist of a single picture of the celebrated Sitting Bull. Crow Dog, 
Spotted Tail, White Thunder and Red Cloud ; a group of three, being 
Red Cloud, Young Spotted Tail and C. P. Jordan, interpreter ; a 
group of eleven, consisting of Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, 
Sword, Yellow Bear, He Dog, Little Hound, American Horse. Little 
Big Man, Three Bears, and three interpreters. 

Red Cloud is the principal chief of the Sioux Indians. He is now 
an old man and takes but little interest in the management of affairs. 
He is a man of ability, and advises all his people to be friendly with 
the whites. He has advocated peace for several years past. 

Maj. Sparks informs the Society that Sitting Bull, the next biggest 
chief, is a remarkable man. His picture shows one of the strongest 
and saddest marked faces ever seen, and it almost bewilders one to 
look upon the face of a wild Indian like Sitting Bull and see such won- 
derful and plainly marked lines of strong character. 

Old Spotted Tail is dead. He was next to Red Cloud and was a 
good man. Spotted Tail has done many things that the United States 
goverment rewarded him for. He was killed by old Crow Dog. the 
meanest Indian in all the Sioux tribe, so the Indians say, and anyone 
looking at his photograph will agree with the verdict. 

Young Spotted Tail, a son of old Spotted Tail, is now the third 
chief of the nation. He is a fine looking young fellow, and is consid- 
ered by all the whites in that part of the country a "good Indian,". 
not a dead one, as the soldiers say. Only dead ones are "good 
Indians." Young Spotted Tail is a good man, and for peace all the 
time. To show you he is a man of good sense and of a peaceable turn, 
under the Indian law and usage he, young Spotted Tail, has the right 
to kill Crow Dog, because Crow Dog killed his father, but he declines 
*%) do so, saying he prefers peace among his people, and that he wants 
them to become good citizens and learn to make their own living by 
labor and work, like other people. "When I learned all this, " says 
Maj. Sparks, "it made a very favorable impression on me in regard to 
the young chieftain." He is a splendid looking young Indian, and the 
Major took a great liking to him. He has a handsome young wife 
(squaw) and one child, a little hoy about six years old. He was the 



Tennessee Historical Society. 9 

"fanciest" dressed little prince you ever saw, says Maj. S., and he 
never left his mother's side when we were there. It made no difference 
when we saw Mrs. Spotted Tail, this little fellow was with her, hold- 
ing to her hand. The Major adds: " 1 took such a fancy to the little 
hoy's dress, having a little boy aboul his size myself, that Mrs. Spot- 
ted Tail made me a suit and sunt it to my little hoy, and he is now the 
proudest little fellow in Tennessee. 1 think every boy in Murfrecs- 
boro', of his size, has tried on the suit of clothes. There is not a 
woman in Tennessee that can do such work. So the ladies here --ay. 
although it was done 1>\- a wild Indian." 

The Major furnished, also, the following account of the group of 
eleven, which is a remarkable good set of likenesses : 

Three Bears, Mot to Yarmany — A young chief of the Ogalalla Sioux, 
noted for his bravery and friendship to the whites. He is the Indian 
whoin 1874. at Red Cloud agency, saved the life of Col. John E. Smith, 
Fourteenth infantry, upon the occasion when Sioux Jim, a noted 
Indian desperado and murderer, drew his rifle on Gen. Smith: but 
before he pulled the trigger, Three Bears jumped in front of the 
officer and dared the Indian to fire, then rushed upon him and beat 
him senseless with the butt of his gun. He also, at the risk of his 
life, carried a dispatch through the Indian lines to the military post 
from St. Crawford of the Third Cavalry, when the latter, with twenty 
men were surrounded by hostile Sioux and Chevcnnes. Me also fig- 
ured conspicuously as chief of the Indian scouts on the Crook cam- 
paign against hostile Sioux and Cheyennes in 1876. 

Sword, Meala Xa Kali — Now captain of police, Pine Ridge agency. 
Was traveling with buffalo bill, and exhibiting in Washington at the 
time this (orignal) picture was taken. 

Ybung-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, Ta Shunk Ko Ke pa Oke she la 
— Hereditary chief of the Ogalalla Sioux. Has always been friendly 
to the whites. He aspires to succeed Red Cloud as chief of all the 
Sioux tribe, but the influence of the latter among all the Sioux, Chey- 
ennes and Axapahoes, is such that no Indian can depose him. 

Little big Man. We chas-shu took ah la — This Indian was the 
head soldier for Cra/\ Horse, who lead the Indians in the Custer 
masacre. He was noted for his bravery and daring, and after the 
northern Sioux, under Crazy Horse, surrendered, he became of val- 
uable assistance to the Government, and when Craz) Horse, while 
a prisoner, attemped to stab ('apt. Kenington, of the Fourteenth infan- 
try, Little big Man i ..hen a soldier, unno- 
by those standing around during the excitement, bayoneted 



io Proceedings of the 

Crazy Horse in the side, from which wound Crazy Horse died. It 
was thought by many Indians that Little Big Man, to make himself 
popular with the military, secretly stabbed his chief. He was a brother 
to Sioux Jim. 

American Horse, We see cha ta shunk Kee — An Ogalalla Sioux 
chief, conspicuous for his loyalty to the government. He is the Indian 
who killed Sioux Jim, and thus removed the worst desperado and mur- 
derer in the Sioux tribe, and one who had been implicated in more 
massacres and outrages than any Indian living. American Horse was 
then a young chief, and the head soldier of a band of Sioux. Mr. C. 
P. Jordan, then chief clerk and acting agent at the Red Cloud agency 
(1876), while counting the Indians of that band, recognized a son of 
Sioux Jim in the village, and a man with another son of Sioux Jim for 
whom large rewards were offered. He interviewed American Horse 
and learned that the Sioux Jim family were all in the village, en- 
camped with a band of Cheyennes. He instructed American Horse 
to watch the family, and to kill Sioux Jim and his sons if they at- 
tempted to escape until he (Jordan) could report to Gen. McKenzie, 
then in command of a large body of troops a few miles from the 
agency, and have the family captured. Jordan and American Horse 
planned to kidnap the family that night, with a few cavalrymen and 
friendly Indians, but the commanding officer, when Jordan submitted 
the plan, disapproved of it, stating he would make the arrest, and be- 
fore daybreak the next morning had the village surrounded by troops. 
After Jordan's interview with the officer, he returned to the Indian 
village late in the night and informed American Horse what the com- 
manding officer had said. American Horse was satisfied neither the 
father or sons would leave the village unless alarmed. Just before the 
troops reached the village, the dogs alarmed it, and, as a matter of 
course, Sioux Jim and his sons, knowing they had been wanted for 
some time, were the first to escape, and when the troops arrived they 
succeeded in capturing Sioux Jim's wife, daughter and younger (third) 
son. After a thorough search they left the village — an hour after 
dawn — whereupon Sioux Jim, who had been secreted in the vicinity, 
appeared threatening to kill the first white man he saw. Mr. Jordan 
had been called by the night watchman shortly after daybreak, and 
was on his way to and near the village, one-half mile distant from the 
agency, when Sioux Jim appeared. American Horse saw the situa- 
tion, and commanded Sioux Jim to drop his gun, which the latter re- 
fused to do, when American Horse quickly pulled his revolver and 
and shot him in the eye, killing him almost instantly. He then rode 



Tennessee Historical Society. i i 

ad told Jordan, who was then a few yards distant, what he had 
done. Jordan then pressed a wagon into the service, and with the 
assistance of an agency employe and friendly Indians among the wail- 
ing and mourning, put the body into a wagon and took it to the post, 
delivering it to the commanding officer, remarking that possibly 
American Horse and himself, if listened to, might have gotton three 
live Indians, instead of one dead. For this act American Horse was 
made chief by the military. 

Little Wound. Ta ope Che Kalla — Chief of the Kiocsa Sioux. His 
father was killed by Red Cloud in early days, for which, reason Little. 
Wound has always been secretly opposed him. 

He Dog, Shunka bar lo Ka — A Northern Sioux Chief, a nephew of 
Red Cloud, one of the principal chiefs in the Custer massa< re. but 
who has been, since he surrendered, true and loyal to the government. 

Yellow Bear, Motto Gee — A chief the Melt hand of Sioux; a great 
favorite in 1N76 of the military officers because of his advice to his 
band to voluntarily surrender all their horses to the government, 
which was done. 

The spelling of the Sioux names in not in accordance with the writ- 
ten language (Dakota), but will enable anyone to pronounce the 
names just as they are pronounced by the Sioux. 

Leon F. Pallardy — Frenchman, interpreter — Principal interpreter 
at the Sioux treaty of 1868, and other treaties. 

William Garnett- — Half Sioux, son of Maj. Garnett, old Ninth in- 
fantry, afterwards Major General C. S. A., now interpreter at Pride 
Ridge agency, and formerly at Red Cloud agency. 

Jose Monvale, Spaniard — Sioux. Spanish and French interpreter. 



OTHER DONATIONS 

The following contributions were announced received since the last 
meeting : 

From Gen. C. W. Darling. (Jtica, N. Y. — The address of Rev. 
(iarrett I,. Roof. I). D.. before the Oneida Historical Society on Col. 
John Rroun and his services in the Revolutionary war. 

From Judge J. < ). Pierce, of Memphis — Three numbers of the 
American Antiquarian. 

From b II. burrow. Lynnville, l'enn.— A beautiful white hawk, 
killed by |. 1'. Fry, near Lynnville, Giles County. It hid I 



1 2 Proceedings of the 

continuously since before the war, at least for twenty-five years. It 
was very wild, and every attempt to kill it was fruitless. It had been 
shot at often, but not struck. It was forty-eight inches from tip to 
tip. It was examined by hundreds of persons in Pulaski, and 'in Giles 
county, and none of them had ever seen anything like it. The So- 
ciety is having the bird stuffed by a taxidermist. 

From S. A. Cunningham, New York — Ticket for Prohibition, voted 
in the celebrated Atlanta election in 1885. 

From the Department of the Interior — Several valuable public doc- 
uments. 

From Robert Clarke, Cincinnati — Diary of David Zeisberger, a 
Moravian Missionary among the Indians of Ohio, translated from the 
original German manuscript by Eugene F. Bliss. 

From George W. Lane, Esq. , Secretary of the Territory of New 
Mexico — Atzlan, being an account of the history, resources and at- 
tractions of New Mexico, and the legend of Montezuma, illustrated. 

From Dr. J. N. Jones, Manchester, Tenn. — A small unique vessel, 
like a rough goblet, found under an old house in Manchester, built in 
1836, and one mile from old Stone Fort. 

From Judge W. A. Doughty, Murfreesboro' — A 12-shilling note of 
Virginia continental currency, 1779. 

From Dr. J. T. Byrne, Murfreesboro' — A very old tobacco knife 
from Africa, and an iron pipe from the same country. 

From Hon. Edwin H. Ewing, of Murfreesboro' — A canteen of 
water from the Dead Sea and another from the River Jordan, hermet- 
ically sealed, obtained by him during his travels in the East in 1852. 
Mr. Ewing also presented the Society with the original firman issued 
at Constantinople in 1852 by the Sultan, Abdul Mejid, "Son of Mo- 
hammed." " May his reign be prolonged," is immediately after his 
signature. The Rev. Dr. Strickland read the English translation of 
the Egyptian original. It was an official paper of protection to Mr. 
Ewing in his travels in that ancient country. 

SWORD OF COL. HARDY MURFREE. 

Maj. D. D. Maney arose and presented, on behalf of all the de- 
scendants of Hardy Murfree and himself, the old sword of Col. Hardy 
Murfree, and made the following remarks : 

Mr. Presipfnt : 

The presentation to the Society of the sword of a Revolutionary 
soldier takes our minds back a long way into the past. It has been 



Tennessee Historical Society. 13 

more than one hundred and nine years since the patriotic delegates of 
the people assembled in the Provincial Congress at Philadelphia, 
adopted the Declaration of Independence, wherein they announced 
a formal separation from the mother country, and absolved all the in- 
habitants of the Colonies from allegiance to the British crown. I 
have no doubt that to thousands of thoughtful men in that daw such 
a step seemed to involve a risk too -real to he wisely taken. ('an 
thirteen feeble Colonies, occupying a narrow fringe along the Atlantic 
coast, reasonably hope to contend successfully in a trial at arms with the 
strongest military power on earth ? A question like this, I doubt not. 
vexed the waking hours and disturbed the dreams of many earnest 
patriots at that day. But they boldly incurred all the hazard of revo- 
lution, and. after six years of war, of varying fortune, they made good 
and irrevocable and final, their Declaration against (deal Britain, he- 
fore all the world. In 177N. the French came and made Yorktown 
possible three years later, and when the sun of Yorktown went down, 
it set upon a people free and independent. 

I have spoken of the Declaration of Independence as the ait by 
which the Colonies threw away all hope and desire of reconciliation 
with the mother country, and appealed to the i;od of battles as the sole 
arbiter of their country and their cause, as against the power of the 
British throne. but, as we all know, the war for independence had 
begun before that day. More than a year before, the patriotic citi- 
zens of Massachusetts had organized military companies known as 
"Minute-men.'' to resist by arms, if need be. the encroachments of the 
British crown, and a company of these heroic men. at the villag 
Lexington, was destined to open the great drama of the American Rev- 
olution. Cen. Gage, the British commander at Boston, having 
learned that a quantity of military stores had been collected by the 
patriots at Con<ord. despatched a military force with all possible se- 
crecy, in the darkness of night, to seize and destroy them. But news 
of the expedition and its object went before it. The minute men 
themselves together with the utmost promptitude, and when the 
British force reached Lexington, ten miles from Boston, in the 
dawn of the 19th of April, 1775. they found between sixty or sevei 
tlie^e heroic men standing across the road. Then Maj. Pit< aim rode 
forward and shouted. "Rebels, lay down your arms and disp< 
They stood firm in their tracks, and in an instant the British opened 
fire upon them. A conflict followed, in which the patriots, 
powered by superior numbers, were compelled to fall back, leaving 
upon the field eight of their hum. : and nine wounded. 



14 Proceedings, of ike 

one-fourth of their entire force. We speak sometimes of the cold and 
calculating nature of our New England brethren. It seems to me we 
must revise our opinions when we think of Lexington and the 19th of 
April, 1775. Not the inhabitants of France or of sunny Spain could 
have shown hotter blood or more fervid enthusiasm than these heroic 
men, who, rising from their beds in the darkness of night, confronted 
the soldiers of their lawful sovereign on that eventful morning! Thus 
was fired the first gun of the American Revolution, of which Mr. 
Emerson has said, with a poetic license which is beautiful and sublime, 
that it was heard all 'round the world. Certain it is, that it was heard 
from Boston to Savannah, and from the seaboard to the farthest limits of 
the Colonial settlements. The last remaining cords of loyalty and alle- 
giance had been burned asunder, and as the news was speeded far and 
wide, the resounding call to arms drowned all other voices. The 
hearts of the people throbbed with indignation, and with the fierce de- 
sire to avenge the blood of their brethren who had fallen in the cause 
of Liberty. And there was then exhibited in America what in all 
ages and countries has ever been a sublime spectacle — that of a people 
rising from the posture of suppliants and standing erect, indignant 
and defiant, to put all they possessed, and life itself, at hazard in de- 
fence of their liberties against the power and prowess of the armies and 
navies of Great Britain. New England flew to arms, and the people 
of the Middle States rapidly organized military forces and girded on 
the sword for the conflict; so that when General Washington assumed 
command of the American army on the 3d of July, 1775, no less than 
fourteen thousand men answered to his roll-call. 

The Southern Colonies were in full accord with their brethren of the 
North in the desire and purpose of resistance. Virginia, the most 
powerful of all the Colonies, sprang forward, with patriotic alacrity 
and with the chivalry characteristic of her people, to throw her stal- 
wart columns across the path of the invader. Nor was the province 
of North Carolina behind her sister Colonies in the fierce and resolute 
purpose to fight for the liberties of America. Her people were eager 
for the fray, and they girded on the sword with a patriotic spirit which 
neither privations nor disasters could quench, till the foot of the in- 
vader no longer found resting place on American soil. And here let 
me say that the people of our mother State were trained in the school 
of Liberty. 

Her Colonial history presents an almost continuous series of con- 
flicts between the Royal Governors and the people, in all of which, by 
resolute and obstinate resistance to every encroachment of the repre- 



Tennessee Historical Society. 15 

sentatives of the crown, her citizens successfully maintained their 
rights and lib< ies. From our childhood we have all known and ad- 
mired the pluck of those patriotic spirits of Boston, who in 17'' 
guised themselves as Indians, and, going on hoard a ship anchored 
at that town, threw the tea overboard, because a tax was laid upon its 
importation. Two years later, in the province of North Carolina, 
there occurred a more striking and flagrant instance of resistance in 
connection with the enforcement of the stamp act, and I recall it to 
your minds as an evidence of the spirit of her people. The news of the 
Lge by Parliament of this act produced intense excitement in 
North Carolina, and a number of resolute spirits determined that it 
should not be enforced in that Colony. 

I. rly in the year 1765 there arrived at the port of Brunswick, X. 
('..a ship from England having on board the stamped paper to be 
used in that Colony. Col. Ashe, of New Hanover county, and 

unswick county, called around them a body of volun- 

and marched to the ship, where they so terrified the Captain 
that he gave his solemn promise that he would not put on shore the 
stamped paper. Then, in derision and to signalize the occasion, they 

I the ship's boat, and mounting it upon a wagon, proceeded to 
Wilmington, then the place of residence of the Royal Governor. 
They received a heart felt ovation from the people of that town, and 
at night a brilliant illumination added to the interest of this singular 
episode. The next day they surrounded the palace of Gov. Tryon, 
and demanded at his hands the person of James Houston, a member 
of the Governor's council and an inmate of the palace, who had been 
appointed Stamp-master for North Carolina. Gov. Tryon at Brat re- 
fused to surrender him. but was informed that unless he did so the 
palace would be burned. 1 le yielded, and Houston being delivered 
to the volunteers, was led to the market place and there took a -ol- 
eum oath that he would never undertake to execute the duties of the 

he had been appointed, and was thereupon rele 
These things were done in the light of day by well-known (it: 
and they illustr ite the spirit of th worthies of the olden time. 

Eternal hot ie noble mother State, which, from her earliest his- 

torv. has ever si »od like a rock for the cause of liberty! The stamp 
act was repealed the next year, and. my information is that no attempt 
was in Colony. 

I h the determined attitud I ince which North 

ma assumed in 1775. t ought not to omit saying that he 
elsewhere, Lexington was the word of inspiration which stirred the 



1 6 Proceedings of the 

souls of her people to their profoundest depths. In fifteen or twenty 
days the momentous intelligence had reached the eastern shore, and 
soon thereafter was known throughout the Colony. Her people 
bowed their heads for a little time in sorrow and sympathy for their 
brethren of Massachusetts. Then followed an outburst of popular 
indignation. Other wrongs might be forgiven, but the patriot blood 
poured out at Lexington was the "immedicable malady" for which 
the surgery of the sword only would suffice. The Royal Governor, 
Josiah Martin, retired from the fury of the storm, forsaking his palace 
at Newbern and taking refuge on board a man-of-war in Cape Fear river. 
Of the numerous assemblages of the people to give expression to 
their feelings and wishes in this grave crisis, none has so much at- 
tracted the attention of the world as that held at Charlotte, in the 
county of Mecklenburg. . The people of that county, surpassing all 
their contemporaries in audacity and prescience, declared that they 
were absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; that they were 
a free and independent people, and their only allegiance was due to 
God and the General Government of the Provincial Congress. 

Very soon thereafter, by concert of action, an election was held for 
delegates to a convention called to consider measures of resistance, 
and on the 21st day of August, 1775, this convention, composed of 
delegates from every county in the Colony, assembled at Hillsboro'. 
Among other measures adopted by the convention, were resolutions 
in favor of raising a continental army by the united action of all the 
Colonies and pledging North Carolina to the payment of her due share 
of the expense thereby incurred. The convention then ordered the 
organization of two regiments of the Continental line, so called as 
distinguished from local troops, because their services might be required 
any where within the Colonies. Thus the Colony of North Carolina was 
fully embarked on the perilous sea of Revolution, in whose depths 
lie a thousand wrecks of virtuous enterprise and daring, of noble aspira- 
tions and heroic emprise and of fiery, restless ambition, now for- 
ever extinguished and at rest. In the six years of war which followed, 
her people were destined to undergo many privations and sufferings. 
The sword of the invader, and the torch of the incendiary, were alike 
employed to conquer and crush the free spirit of her citizens; and 
amid the blackened ruins of many happy firesides, her people felt the 
power and cruelty of oppression. There were sanguinary raids 
through a part of her territory, some of them so merciless in their 
character that they recall vividly to my mind the graphic lines of one 



Tennessee Historical Society. 17 

of the olden English poets, descriptive of the march of an invading 
army, and the terror of the defenceless inhabitants: 

Amazement in the van, with Bight combined, 
And sorrow's pallid form and solitude behind. 

But throughout all, her daughters wove and spun and knitted for 
the soldiers, who, in the far-away camps of Washington, of Greene, 
and nf Wayne, with invincible resolution, still grasped the musket 
and wielded the broadsword in defence of Liberty and America. 

The convention proceeded to appoint the officers of the two regi- 
ments, and among them was Hardy Murfree, then a young man. a 
native of Murfreesboro', in Hertford count}', who received the com- 
mission of Captain in the Second Regiment. 

With this regiment he entered the war of the Revolution, perform- 
ing the duties of a patriotic soldier and officer with fidelity and valor. 
The regiment rendered signal and memorable service. Under Wash- 
ington, it bore a part in the campaigns through Pennsylvania, New 
Jersey ami New York, from 1776 to 1779, in which were fought the 
battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth and other-. 

In the summer of 1770. it was the fortune of ('<>]. Murfree to take 
pari in an enterprise which caused the liveliest feelings of gratification 
throughout the whole country, and which, I have no doubt, made his 
name, with those of his fellow-officers, familiar to every reading man 
in America. I allude to the battle of Stony Point, fought on the 
night of June 15th. 1770. In that year there had been formed by 
Gen. Washington a new organization in the American army, known 
as the corps of light infantry. A contemporary writer, who, on the 
-ion of the centennial anniversary of Stony Point in 1879, g ave 
to the public a very graphic and interesting a< < ount of the battle, 
of this corps: "It was composed of men carefully selected from each 
regiment, and then formed into battalions by a field officer. Though 
a small body, it otherwise represented the very best material in the 
army, and its main work was to tike position in front, perform out- 
post duty, watch the enemy and be ready for service at a moment's 

notice. One General and ten held officers, all tried soldiers of three 
and four rvice, veterans of nearly every field from Bunker 

Hill to Monmouth, were detailed to 1 onimands in this infantry. The 
leadership fell, by Washington's unerring selection, to that ready. 
magnetic, dashing, almost rc< kK-s officer, who h I into our 

fireside tales as Mad Anthony Waj Col. Murfrc 

as one of the ten fiel 1 ficers lor service in this corps, and was p] 



1 8 Proceedings of Ike 

in command of a battalion. To this corps, 1,200 strong, was assigned 
by Washington the enterprise of the capture of Stony Point. This 
fortress rose on a precipitous height, the base of which was partly 
washed by the Hudson, and protected, in addition, by a deep marsh 
difficult to cross. The place had been so fortified as to be considered 
impregnable, except by surprise. 

Having arrived within a mile and a half of the fort at dark, Wayne 
formed his plan of attack. To Maj. Murfree was assigned the duty 
of taking position immediately in front of the fort, and opening a rapid 
and continuous fire upon the enemy. The whole command crossed 
the marsh a little before midnight, and, I have heard the incident as 
coming from Col. Murfree, that the command to his men to hold up 
their guns above the water was passed in a whisper down his line. 
Two assaulting columns, with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, 
moved silently right and left and took position on opposite sides of 
the fort. Almost simultaneously with Murfree' s opening gun, they 
sprang forward and began the steep and perilous ascent. Climbing 
over felled trees, cutting through the obstructions of chevaux-de-frise, 
surmounting walls, and springing from rock to rock, they pushed for- 
ward steadily and with all the speed possible against the impediments 
that hindered every forward step. Before they were half way up, 
Gen. Wayne, who, spear in hand, accompanied the right column, is 
struck by a musket ball, and, thinking he is mortally wounded, calls 
upon his aids to support him, that he may go forward and die in the 
fort. The work becomes hotter, and it is evident that only the des- 
perate courage of a forlorn hope can win the fight. But up they go, 
like panting tigers, in the face of a furious and incessant fire of mus- 
ketry. In three-fourths of an hour the invincible pluck of the Ameri- 
cans has triumphed over everything, and Febiger, the first man, 
mounts the parapet, strikes the British colors, and shouts the watch- 
word of the night, "The Fort is our own." The -left column soon 
appears on the opposite side. All come swarming in, and three 
mighty, resounding cheers are given in honor of the glorious victory. 
The victory created intense gratification in the army and throughout 
the entire country. Wayne and his light infantry were the heroes of 
the day, and received the congratulations of Washington, LaFayette, 
Gates, Lee and others, as well as the thanks o'f the Provincial Con- 
gress. 

I have no doubt, Mr. President, that the sword this day presented 
to the Society was worn by Col. Murfree on that memorable night, as 
well as on many other fields of the Revolution. 



Tennessee Historical Society. 19 

Col. Murfree continued in the service of his country until its inde- 
pendence was achieved, returning at the close of the war to his home 
in North Carolina. Early in the present century he emigrated to 

Williamson county, Tennessee, where he resided until his death. On 
that occasion an eulogy was pronounced upon his life and services by 
Hon. Felix Grundy, then a young and rising attorney and politician of 
the State, and. amid the profound respect and homage of his fellow- 
citi/ens, this intrepid soldier of the Revolution, the companion and com- 
patriot of Washington, of Greene, and of Wayne, was home to his 
honored tomb. In the name of all his descendants, this sword is now 
committed to the guardianship of the Historical Society as a most in- 
teresting relic ami memorial of one who, if he may not he considered 
one of the founders of the Republic, was the friend, the companion, 
and the ever-faithful co-laborer of those who were its founders. 

The Revolutionary worthies have all passed away-, but their work 
remains, stupendous and magnificent, surpassing their most sanguine 
conceptions or wildest dreams. It is that of a great Republic, 
founded on the inalienable rights of man, existing under a benign 
constitution and equal laws, upon a theatre no vast, and presenting 
an aggregate of happiness, prosperity and enlightenment so great, as 
wa> never before attained in any age or country. 

On each recurring anniversary of the National Independence, it is 
the custom of the people to assemble together to pay a tribute of 
respect and homage to the men who achieved for America this be- 
neficent destiny. This honored custom will endure for all time, and, 
I doubt not. there are those now living who will on some future natal 
day see more than a hundred million freemen assemble and bow low 
their heads in honor of the illustrious Washington and his compeers, 
and pay to them a tribute more imposing and august than the Cesars 
or the Bonapartes ever knew. 

■■ l 1 solemnize this day. the glorious sun 

- in his course, and plays the alchemist, 
Turning with splendor of his precious eve. 
The meagre, cloddy earth t<> glittering ^old : 

The yearly course that luin^s this day about 

Shall never see it but a holiday." 

REPLY OF JUDGE LEA 

The President said, on receiving the sword from Mai. Maney. that 
a just pride might well have desired to keep so valuable and interest- 
ing a relic in the family, but it seems that the patriotism of the an- 



20 Proceedings of the 

cestor had come down to the descendants, who thought that the 
Historical Society was the proper depository of this weather-beaten 
and time-honored implement of the War of the Revolution. In the 
name of the Society, he assured them that the gift was highly appre- 
ciated, and would be most carefully preserved. Not only in the at- 
tack at Stony Point, to which reference had been so gracefully made, 
but in other battles and skirmishes, this sword helped to win victory 
for our arms. We render honor to him who wore it. The cause 
which succeeded by the use, in gallant hands, of this and other swords 
has given to us the title of freemen, and relieved us from all foreign 
domination. Our destiny has been in our own hands, and so far we 
have worked it out with reasonable success. This ancient relic, man- 
ufactured, perhaps, at a shop in North Carolina, has not the gaudy 
trappings which ornamented the hilt of the Excalibur of King Arthur's 
sword, nor is it like that celebrated sword of the mythical hero 
which rendered the wearer invulnerable to harm, but it possesses a 
more honorable history than ever attached to any mediaeval romance, 
for it was used in defence of the rights of man against the tyrannical at- 
tacks of a Government made alien to us by its attempt at oppression. 
We thank you most cordially for this testimonial of patriotism, and it 
shall ever be honored by us, as it is by the family which has generously 
placed it in our custody. 

On motion of Gen. Palmer, the thanks of the Society were tendered 
to Maj. D. D. Maney, for his valuable historical relic, and he was 
requested to furnish a copy of his remarks for publication. 

The Recording Secretary takes occasion to remark that the sword 
mentioned was used by the tyler of Hiram Lodge No. 7, Free and 
Accepted Masons, at Franklin. Tennessee, for thirty years before the 
war. Col. Murfree was an honored member of that Lodge. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 

The President announced that Col. W. L. Murfree, of St. Louis, 
had written a sketch of Col. Hardy Murfree, for whom this town was 
named, and would furnish the Society with the same. The following 
is the sketch : 



Tennessee Historical Society. 2 \ 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF COL. HARDY MURFREE, 01 CHE NORTH 
CAROLINA CONTINENTAL LINE. 

II. mh Murfree was horn in Hertford county, North Carolina, on 
the 5th of June. 1752. At the early age of twenty-three, he was ap- 
pointed Captain of the Second Regiment of the Continental line of 
North Carolina by the Provincial Congress, which met at Halifax, 
August _m. 1775. The earliest action of this body was to pledge the 
co-operation of North Carolina with the other Colonies in raising a 
Continental army for the common defence of the country. In fulfill- 
ment of this pledge, after directing the formation of a for* e of " Min- 
ute-men," designed for local operations, it proceeded to organize two 
regiments, which became a portion of the Continental arm}-, and 
which served throughout the Revolutionary war. 

Hard\ Murfree's father, William Murfree. was a man of promi- 
nence in the community in which he lived, and was a member from 
Hertford county in the North Carolina Congress, or Convention, as 
it would be called in the language of the present day, which convened 
at Halifax, in the following year, on the 12th of November, 1776. 
The duty of this body, as described in the call issued tor is formation 
by the Committee oi Safety, was "not only to make laws, but also to 
form a constitution which was to be the foundation of all law ; and as 
it was well or ill ordered, would tend to the happiness or miser}' of 
die State." — (Wheeler's History of North Carolina, pp. 84. 85, 86.) 

That the constitution framed by this body was ■• well ordered." is 
very manifest from the fact that it proved so satisfactory to the people 
of North Carolina that, without amendment, it continued to be the 
< rganic law of the State from 1 776 to 1835, a I )( -' r > (l( l (l1 fifty-nine years. 

The two regiments contributed by North Carolina to the general 
defence, passed, as soon as they were organized, under the control of 
the Continental Congress, and acted chiefly in the main body of the 
army, under the command of Washington. 

In the daring as^.uilt which resulted in the capture of Stony Point, 
there was selected from the North Carolina troops a battalion of pic Led 
men. and Hard) Murfree who was then a Major, was placed in coin 
mand. At this time there- had been organized a new corps of light 
infantry, composed of a battalion of picked men taken from each of 
the following States : North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware. Maryland. 
Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, each battalion being 
under the command of a field officer. \- already stated, Hardy 



22 Proceedings of the 

Murfree was selected to command the North Carolina battalion. 
Gen. Anthony Wayne was placed in command of the whole body, 
and to this corps of choice troops was committed the daring enterprise 
of storming Stony Point. Maj. Murfree, with his command, took his 
position according to his orders in front of the enemy's lines. He 
opened a rapid and continuous fire, for the purpose of drawing the 
attention of the garrison to his command, while the storming columns 
moved steadily and silently on his right and left to the attack on the 
fort. The result is matter of familiar history. 

In the next year, it appears that Maj. Murfree and his command 
had been transferred to the South. In his note-book, which is now 
in the possession of a member of the family, there is a copy of an 
order by Gen. Jethro Sumner, dated Warren county, June 1780, ad- 
dressed to Maj. Hardy Murfree, and also a copy of a letter from Gen. 
Sumner, dated Hillsboro', May 18, 1781, addressed to ''Col. Lamb 
or Maj. Murfree," relating to the movement of troops. 

It may here be remarked that, in addition to the historical and doc- 
umentary data, there are many interesting traditions concerning Hardy 
Murfree and his comrades, during the time of his service in the Con- 
tinental army. It is said that in the battle of Germantown, October 
4, 1777, he assisted in bearing from the field Gen. Francis Nash, who 
was mortally wounded. Col. Murfree's sash was used upon this oc- 
casion to support the wounded General, and still bears the stains of 
his blood. 

There are persons now living who were told by those who knew 
him well, his brother-in-law and son-in-law, that before the war closed, 
Maj. Murfree was promoted to the rank of Colonel. He has always 
been accorded that title. 

Col. Murfree was married on the 17th of February, 1780, to Miss 
Sally Brickell, daughter of Matthias* Brickell and his wife, Rochei 
Noailles Brickell. Mr. Brickell was a member of the Provincial Con- 
gress of North Carolina, in 1776. 

After the close of the war, Col. Murfree devoted himself to his 
private affairs. Elkannah Watson, in his book of travels in the South, 
published soon after the war, speaks of him as an "'intrepid officer of 
the Revolution," whom he found busy with his plantation, on the 
banks of the Meherrin river, near the town of Murfreesboro', North 
Carolina. The town of Murfreesboro', Tennessee, was named in 
honor of him. 

Col. Murfree's wife died on the 29th of March, 1802, and five 
years afterwards he emigrated to Tennessee, where he owned large 



Tennessee Historical Society. 23 

bodies of land. Ho settled on Murfree's Fork of West Harpeth, in 
Williamson county, and on the 6th of July, 1809, he died. Although 
he had so recently identified himself with the people of Tennessee, he 
had made many friends, and his funeral was attended by a large con- 
course of people, lie was interred with Masonic honors, and an 
oration was delivered upon the occasion by Felix Grundy. 

The following account of his funeral is taken from The Democratic 
Clarion, published by Thomas G. Bradford, in Nashville, Tenn., July 
21, 1809. This old newspaper is now in the possession of Mrs. Mary 
M. Hardeman, a grand-daughter of Col. Murfree : 

Sunday, the 9th instant, agreeable to notice, the Masonic funeral oi 
Hardy Murfree was celebrate, I. It 9 o'clock the procession formed in Franklin, 
in the following order: 

Masonic Lodges, preceded by Tylers with drawn swords. 

Philanthropic Lodge, Col. Edw»rd Hard, Master, followed by the members. 

Past Masters. 

Franklin Lodge, Col. N. Patterson, Master. Members. 
shville Corps of Volunteer Cavalry, Capt. Heussar. 

On the procession arriving at the gate of the garden, the Philanthropic Lodge 
Stopped, and the Franklin Lodge advanced first to the grave. At the conclu- 
sion of the Masonic funeral rites, the subjoined oration was delivered by Felix 
Grundy, Esq., after which the military advanced and fired three volleys over 
the grave. 

The surrounding hills were covered with vast numbers of people, and the 
awful silence which pervaded such an immense crowd evinced the feelings of 
the spectators for the memory and virtues of the deceased. <'ol. Murfree was 
^aid to be nearly the last survivor who commanded a regiment during the Rev- 
olutionary war. The heroes and sages of that day are rapidly passing ofl the 
stage ol life, but a few years more and nothing will remain but the remem- 
brance of the virtues of the gallent patriots who established the freedom and in- 
dependence of their country. 

The following are extracts from the oration delivered upon the 
n by Judge Felix Grundy : 

* * * Masons have lost a brother, soldiers have lost a hero, the world has 

n and a man worthy to be remembered —ye military men, he was 

mr brother in arms. When the voice of an injure'': lied him to 

her relief, . he left his peaceful habitation, he marched to the 

tented field he felt the injustice and indignity thai 1 t" his country 

le timid irresolute mi whether submis 

to the unjust demands of the ol 1 government should be preferred, in his mind 
there v . he saw there was but one course honorable for his country, 

that he adopted and pursued it although the pr ay and tin; 

im; he did not hesitate 1 1 his property and life on the event of the 



24 Proceedings of the 

ful contest. When in the field he was no idle spectator of events — the plains of 
Monmouth bear testimony to his valor and intrepidity. In the attack on Stony 
Point he held a distinguished and dangerous command. On both occasions and 
many others he taught bravery to his soldiers by example, he never shunned 
danger, his gallant soul was a stranger to fear — you, ye aged men, who also 
partook in the dangers and difficulties of our country, know that although he 
was the greatest advocate for discipline, he had the talent of enforcing it rather 
by persuasion and example than coersion — those under his command considered 
his displeasure as the greatest punishment that could be inflicted on them — 
military men, remember his name and imitate his virtues. 

Let all present revere his memory, who, with his compatriots, brought liberty 
and independence to our country. We are now floating on the surface of a 
smoothe sea, they buffeted the storm ; we now enjoy the cool and refreshing 
breezes of peace; the scorching heat of the summer sun and the battle's danger 
were theirs. * * 

Enough of our brother's character has been portrayed in the rough field of peril 
and danger; let us trace him in the private walks of life, where peaceful virtue, 
with her associates, delight to dwell. His presence, which was a terror to the 
enemies of his country, to his family and friends was a refreshing shower. The 
implements of war being laid aside he was the affectionate husband and the tender 
father. lie has left no consort behind him to mourn his death — his children are 
with us; often will they revisit this spot, they will view it as holy ground, con- 
secrated by the remains of their father. 

Of the benevolence of our deceased friend all who knew him can speak! With 
a liberal but unostentatious hand, he relieved the wants of the distressed. With 
those feelings which Masonry inspires, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked and 
dried up the tear upon the widow's cheek. 

Col. Murfree left two sons and five daughters, all of whom were 
married. None of them are now living; the second generation has 
passed away, but the third and fourth are numerous. A large pro- 
portion of his descendants are residents of Tennessee, a few of Mis- 
sissippi, some live in Kentucky, and some in Missouri. 

Col. Murfree's letters and memoranda show that he was a finely ed- 
ucated man, and of great native intelligence. He was of a generous 
and enthusiastic temperament, and was endowed with many noble 
traits of character. He was in every respect an honorable and upright 
man, a gallant officer, greatly beloved in private life, and most ex- 
emplary in his domestic relations. His private character is one which 
adds lustre to his public services. 

INVITATION, ETC. 

An invitation was read from E. D. Hicks, Esq., Secretary of the 
Board of Trustees of the University of Nashville, asking the Society to 



Tennessee Historical Society. 25 

attend the exercises of the Centennial celebration of that time-honored 
institution at the First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, on Thursday 
evening, Dec ioth. ::: 

On motion of Rev. I>r. Gray, the imitation was accepted. 

On motion of Judge Avent, 500 copies of these proceedings, con 
taining the sketch of Col. Hardy Murfree, were ordered to be printed 
in pamphlet form. 

The Society then adjourned to meet in the Watkins Institute, 
Nashville, on the second Tuesday in January. 1886. 

Immediately after the adjournment, Maj. Sparks invited the mem- 
bers and all present to the dining-room, where they partook of a 
bounteous feast. forty or fifty persons were at the dining, and Mrs. 
Sparks and several of the best ladies of Murfreesboro' waited on the 
guests. It was a joyous occasion, and one long to he remembered. 
It was only equaled by the dining of the Society and others at the 
hospitable mansion of Judge Jas. M. Avent, in the same town, in July 
last, on the Occasion of our meeting at his house in monthly session. 

After dinner, a vote of thanks was cordially tendered, on motion of 
('apt. William Stockell, to Maj. and Mrs. Sparks, and the ladies who 
assisted so well ami so promptly, for the elegant entertainment so 
richly enjoyed. 

Music followed, in the parlor, until 4 o'clock !•. \i.. when the part) 

ii. On the evening of the 10th <>f December, notwithstanding the cold 
and disagreeable weather, several members of the Society, among whom were 
Hon. John M. Lea, President, Col. A. S. Colyar, Dr. C. C. lite, K . >l>crt T. 
Quarles, Rev. I>r. C. II. Strickland. Prof. W. R. Garrett, Rev. Dr. J. W. Dodd, 
Gen. |. F. Wheless, Judge Pitkin C. Wright, I >r. John II. Currey and 
Nelson, assembled at the Watkins Institute and proceeded to the Church in a 
body, and listened to the exercises, which consisted of music, a prayer, an address 
of welcome by Randal M. Ewing, ol Franklin, the Centenary addn 
Edwin II. Ewing, a graduate of the • la paper from Prof. 1 

irns, of the State Normal College (merged in the University of Nashville), 
on the "Coming Centennial in 10S5." The meeting was under the direct 
("apt. Alexander J. Porter, President of the Board of 'I'm mem- 

ber of the Tennes ee His( Mr. E. D retary 

of the Board 



26 Proceedings of the 

present went in procession to the Baptist Church to attend the mar- 
riage ceremony of Mr. Frank W. Washington, of Nashville, and Miss 
Minnie T. Hord, of Rutherford ; the Rev. Dr. Strickland officiating. 

The visiting members soon after took the trains for their respective 

homes. 

ANSON NELSON, 

Recording Secretary. 



Note. — The Col. Francis Nash, who fell at the battle of Germanlown in 
1 777, was the man in whose honor Nashville \vas named. 



